How to Force Quit an App on Mac

Posted By Volodymyr Chubei | 25 Nov 2024

If an application on your MacBook stops responding or runs erratically, the forced y shut down may be your only option. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to quit apps on Mac using a variety of methods, from built-in tools to hotkeys. Regardless of your experience with macOS, this guide will help you deal with these kinds of issues effectively.

1. Force Quit menu

How to exit an app on Mac that does not respond? The easiest way is to use the Force Quit menu. This method is useful if the software hangs and doesn't respond to standard close commands.

How to do it:

Click on the Apple logo on the top left.
From the drop-down menu, select “Force close...”.
In the window that opens, locate the app you want, and highlight it.
Click the “End” button in the bottom right corner.
Confirm the action if the system prompts you to do so.

This method will work for those who don't want to deal with more complex macOS tools. Through the “Force End” menu, you can end your work in just a few clicks. But if the problem recurs regularly, it's worth checking the software for updates or conflicts with other programs.

2. Key combination

This method is considered one of the quickest and most effective for users who are used to working with hotkeys. Also, this option is effective when the application keeps crashing which makes accessing the Apple menu difficult.

How to do it:

Press the combination Command(⌘)+Option(⌥)+Escape(Esc) simultaneously.
In the window, select the hung application and click “Quit”.
Confirm the action if prompted.

3. System monitoring

Activity Monitor is a powerful tool that provides detailed information about each running process, including CPU and memory utilization. This allows you to not only terminate hung software, but also identify processes that may negatively impact your MacBook's performance. This method to force quit application Mac is suitable for those who want to thoroughly understand how applications run and whether they run correctly.

How to do it:

Through the Finder or using Spotlight (Command+Spotlight), open “System Monitoring.”
Click on the “CPU” tab to view active processes.
Find the software process in the list that runs incorrectly or hangs.
Click on it and then on the “End” button (cross) in the upper left corner of the window.
Confirm that the process has been terminated.

Also: How to Shut Down a MacBook

4. Terminal

Terminal provides more flexibility for managing applications and processes on your MacBook. This method to force close app Mac is best suited for advanced users who are familiar with the command line and want to have the utmost control over the device. With a special command, you can quickly terminate any process, especially if other methods fail.

How to do it:

Open the terminal via Finder or Spotlight.
Type the ps-ax command and press Enter.
In the list of all processes, find the PID (identifier) of the application you want to terminate.
Type kill PID (enter the process ID number instead of PID).
Click Enter to force the application to shut down.

5. The Dock UI element

This method is convenient for those who prefer visual interfaces and want to minimize keyboard usage. Forced termination via the Dock takes only a few seconds and does not require opening any additional windows or tools.

How to do it:

Locate the crashing application icon in the Dock.
Right-click the icon (or use two fingers on the trackpad).
Press the Option key (⌥) and select Force Terminate from the context menu.

6. CleanMyMac X application

If you want to make the process of forcing your applications to close as easy as possible on your Mac, CleanMyMac X provides a convenient solution. This utility helps you keep your computer clean, removes unnecessary files, optimizes your system, and provides functionality to close software quickly. Using CleanMyMac X is perfect for those who prefer to manage their Mac with a single tool.

Where to find and how to install CleanMyMac X:

Go to the official website of the developer, MacPaw.
Click on “Download” to download the installation file to your PC.
Open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
Once the process is complete, the software will be available in your MacBook program list.

How to terminate the program with CleanMyMac X:

Select the application in the list and launch it.
From the left menu, select the “Optimize” or “Unused Applications” tab (depending on the version of the software).
In the window, you will see a list of running processes and applications. Scroll through it to find the one you need to close.
Click the “Force close” button next to the program name.

Also: MacBook Won't Download Files: Causes and Tips for Quick Fix

7. Manage Apps Issues Easily with Setapp

If you frequently encounter unresponsive apps on your Mac, consider using Setapp. This service provides access to over 250 curated Mac apps, including tools like CleanMyMac X to help optimize performance and prevent crashes. With Setapp, you can find reliable alternatives and keep your Mac running smoothly without needing to force quit apps often.

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FAQ

1. Is it good to force quit apps on Mac?

Forcing applications to shut down on a Mac is acceptable when they do not respond.. However, it is not recommended to abuse this method as it may result in the loss of unsaved data.

2. How do I force quit an app?

You can force quit an app through the Apple menu, keyboard shortcut, System Monitor, Terminal, Dock, or the CleanMyMac X app.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Volodymyr Chubei
Computer Repair Specialist at TechToro.io

Volodymyr was born in Ukraine and has found his passion for electronics from his childhood. At the age of 13, he was capable of soldering some basic elements of a logic board and today he is one of the co-founders of TechToro.io